Art of autographing photographic films



NOV. 1, 1932. J, p, SCANNELL 1,886,052

ART OF AUTOGRAPHING FHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS m TOYS J72 van 655 45 1 277? 71 11 Sea/72ml! I 1 m Adflflzi WW Nova 1, 1932. J. P. SCANNELL ABT OF AUTOGRAPHING PHOTOGRAPHIG FILMS Filed Feb. 24, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 1, 1932.

J. P. SCANNELL. 1,886,052

ART OF AUTOGRAPHING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Filed Feb. 24, 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Nov. 1 1932 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE JOHN P. SCANNELL, 01 OAK PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T EDWARD E. EMMERICH, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ART OF AUTOGRAPHING PHOTOGRAPHIC FILMS Application filed February 24, 1938.

This invention relates to the art of autographing photographic films and has for its object the creation of an autograph in relatively light characters upon a relatively dark background in the negative and in relatively dark characters upon a relatively light background in the positive.

The present invention contemplates the creation of the autograph through the control of the development of the negative film in conjunction with the use of light, in such manner that the film is not subjected to light at any point except at the point of autographing and no foreign or deleterious matter can contact with or affect the film.

With the above and other objects in View, as will be apparent, this invention consists in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts, all as hereinafter more fully described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary vertical section through one end of a camera taken transversely through an autographic opening in the case thereof, to illustrate the positlons of the various elements during the autographing operation;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the frame coacting with the autographing table of the camera, for removably retaining a source of light and the element for controlling the development of the film, utilized in the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the element for controlling the development of the film;

Fig. 4: is a similar perspective view of the light panel or source of light utilized in the form of the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary vertical section through one end of a. camera, taken transversely through the autographic opening in the case thereof to illustrate the positions of the various elements during the autographing operation using a modified form of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a perspective View of the element used in the form of the invention disclosed in Fig. 5 for controlling the development of a the film at the autographic panel similar in Serial No. 430,487.

construction and operation to the controlling element illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevation of a section of the film used in the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 showing the same in conjunction with the paper back, parts of the latter being broken away for the purpose of illustration;

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary vertical section through one end of a camera, taken transversely through the autographic opening in the case thereof, to illustrate the positions of the various elements during the autographing operation, using another modified form of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary elevation of a section of film showing the paper backing thereof used in the form of the invention shown in Fig. 8, parts being broken away;

Fig. 10 is a vertical longitudinal section taken through the film illustrated in Fig. 9 and used in the form of the invention used in Fig. 8;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the element which controls the development of the film used in the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 9 and 10 similar in construction to those illustrated in Figs. 8 and 6;

Fig. 12 is an elevation of a fragment of a negative film produced by the use of the present invention illustrating the autograph thereon; and

Fig. 13 is a similar View of the positive print reproduced from the negative shown in Fig. 12 utilizing the present invention and illustrating the autograph thereon.

In all of the forms of the invention, forming the subject matter hereof, the space between exposures hereinafter called the autographic panel is utilized for the purpose of making the autograph. Fundamentally the invention consists in affecting the entire autograph panel or space between exposures with light and then tracing the autograph upon the panel in such manner that those por tions of the panel corresponding to the charactors of the autograph will be undeveloped, or at least the development thereof will be retarded, when the negative film is developed. Thus the negative film will have a light struck or black field throughout the entire autograph panel surrounding relatively clear or light characters. When reproduced the field will appear white or relatively light upon the positive print and the characters surrounded thereby will be black or relatively dark.

Reference being had more particularly to the drawings 10 designates the negative film having the autograph panel or space between exposures 11; one such panel being provided for and adjoining each exposure space. The film is provided with the usual paper back 12.

The camera used in carrying out each form of the present invention consists of a case 13 having an autographing opening 14 therein, through which the autograph may be traced or inscribed on thepaper back 12 of the film. This autograph opening 14 is designed to be closed by a gate 15, hinged to the case 13, of the camera, when the autograph opening 14; is not being used for the purpose of creating an autograph. Opposed to the opening 1 1 is an autographing table 16 upon which rests the film during the act of tracing or inscribing the autograph and which carries certain of the elements to be hereinafter described entering into the autographing operation. The film spool 17 is positioned in the camera case 18 from which the film 10 and its paper back 12- is fed to the take-up spool (not shown). In passing from the spool 17 to the take-up spool the film 10 and its paper back 12 pass between the wall of the camera case 13 containing the autograph opening 14: and the table 16. The mechanism and parts above described are common to all forms of the invention illustrated herein.

In the form of the invention illustrated in Figs. '1 to 1 inclusive, the autographing table 16 is convered by a retaining frame plate 18, provided with an aperture 19 therein which corresponds to the surface of the table 16 and defines the space available for autographic purposes. The longitudinal sides of this frame plate 18 are provided with the arms 20 which engage the edges of the autographing table 16 and retain the plate. 18 thereon. Between the table 16 and the frame plate 18 are positioned the elements which control the development of the autographic panel of the film and effect the same by light. The first of these elements, to-wit; that element adjoining the table 16 is a light plate 21 having its outer surface 22 coated with any suitable radio-active material. This light plate may be made of metal, celluloid or any other suitable material and the coating may be of any chemical compound capable of radiating actinic rays, such as compounds containing radium or radium salts or their compounds. An example of such a compound would be phosphorescent zinc sulphide containing a small percentage of radium or radium salts. Exteriorly of he luminous plate 21 is the control sheet 23 which controls the development of the autograph panel of the film or at least the clevelopment of those portions corresponding to the inscribed or traced autograph. This control sheet 23 comprises a translucent sheet of paper or other suitable material, impregnated with wax or grease or any other chem ical or compound which may be transferred to the film as hereinafter described and which will retart or prevent development of such portions of the film to which it has been transferred and covers.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in Figs. 1 to a, inclusive is as follows: The body of the film 10 to receive the exposure is positioned within the camera 18 above the table 16 while the autograph panel or space between exposures 11 of the film 10 is aligned with the opening and the table 16. During the entire time that the panel 11 is thus situated the light rays from the plate 21 through the control sheet 23 and act upon the sensitized surface of the panel lVhen the stylus or other writi implement 2 is inserted through the autograph opening inscribe or trace an autograph upon hack 12 of the film 10., the pressure exer" pressed. a ainst tie surface of the control sheet This writing ressure exerted vn l'e tracing or inseribing the autograph upon the outer face of the each 12 transfers the material \vithwhich the controlsheet 23 is impregnated, to the sensitized s1 :face of the film. Thus the autograph appears on the sensitized surface of the film in characters removed or transferred from the control sheet 23, of the material with which said sheet is impregnated. The film is then wound upon the take-up spool and the process is repeated until the entire roll of film is used.

It wi l i observed that at no point beyond the plane of the table 16 does any light contact with the film for the purpose of autographing. lVhen the film is developed the portions or the panel 11 surrounding the characters of the autograph will be fully and completely developed while the emulsion beneath the characters or beneath the material removed or transferred from the control sheet 28 will remain wholly or at least very greatly undeveloped, so that when the nega tive film 10 is washed and dried the auto- "aph will appear in relatively clear or light characters surrounded by a relatively darl: field. v

The characters of the autograph being traced on tl sensitized surface of the film in a material which will retard or entirely-overcome the dcvelopine of the emulsion bered thereby causes the film to be neath the coating will be reproduced in the negative film merely by constituting spaces or gaps in the developed emulsion surrounding them. It will also be observed that after sheet 23 is held in place by the the sensitized surface of the film.

the autograph has been traced on the panel 11 and the film is wound upon the take-up spool, the material in which the characters of the autograph are traced does not Contact with the sensitized surface of the film lo it on the contrary are opposed to the plain or unsensitized surface thereof.

In the form of the invention disclosed in Figs. 5, 6 and 7 the luminous plate 21 is eliminated. In this form of the invention the autograph panels 11 of the film 10 are exposed to light prior to winding the film 10 and back 1 upon the spool 17 and prior to its insertion in the camera. This exposure of the autograph panels 11 to the action of lightmay, of course, be done by the manufacturer of the film during the process of manufacture. lVhen the panel 11 is positioned over the table 16 upon which a control v frame plate 18, as described in Fig. 1, the inscrihing of the autograph by means of the stylus or other writinr implement 24 will remove from the control sheet 23 the material with which it i'npregnated and trace characters of the tograph on the sensitized surface of the a in this material as above LaF,'1ll)-Jl. lVhen the film is then developed, the development of the characters of the autogra h will be retarded or eliminated, and the autograph appears in relatively light characters surrounded hy a relatively dark field.

In the form of the invention shown S to 11 the paper back 12 is translucent throughout its entire length. Between those portions 26 of the back 12 corresponding to the autograph panels 11 of the film, the back is coated as at 25 with an opaque compound such as lamp black mixed with gelatin contai g some glycerine or any other material which will render the back 12 light-proof. Thus the back 12 of the film 10 is light-proof except as to those portions 26 which correspond to the autographic panel 11. Thus when the autographic panel 11 is positioned in alignment with the opening lt and table 16. light admitted through the opening 14 will through the corresponding translucent section 26 at the back 12 anu affect Then when the stylus other suitable writing implement 2%, is used to inscribe or trace the characters of the autograph upon the back 12 the material with which the control sheet 23 is impregnated will, as heretofore described, be trans erred to the sensitive surface of the film and retard or stop development of those portions thereof which it covers or contacts with. Thus the autograph is created on the negative film 10 in clear or relatively light characters surrounded by a relatively dark field.

From the foregoing it is manifest that all forms of the present invention accomplish the creation of the autograph in the panel or space between exposures by means of exposing the entire panel to light and then retarding or stopping development of such portions thereof as correspond to or constitute the autograph. It is also apparent that light does not affect the sensitized .irface of the film 10 at any points except at the panels 11 and that the sensitized surface of the film is at all times protected from contact with foreign or deleterious matter.

The control sheet 23, being detachable may be from time to time replaced, as the mate rial impregnating it becomes exhausted. Of course a control sheet may accompany each film roll and can be placed under the frame plate 18 when the camera is loaded with the film.

lVhat is claimed is:

1. The niethodof autographing a photographic film conslsting in exposing one portion of the film to create an image and ex posing another portion thereof to light and retarding or preventing the development of parts of such last exposed portion.

2. The method of autographing a photographic film consisting in exposing a portion thereof to light while in a camera and coating the sensitized face of said exposed portion in. a design corresponding to the autograph with a material that will retard or prevent develo nncnt of ti e sensitized surface covered thereby.

3. The method of autographing a photographic film within a camera consisting in exposing to light the portion thereof between exposures, and coating the sensitized base of said exposed portion, in a design corresponding to the autograph, with a material that will retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface of the film covered thereby.

4. The method of autographing a photographic film within a camera consisting in. exposing to light the portion thereof between exposures, and coating the sensitized base of said exposed portion by pressure from the exterior of the camera, in a design corresponding to the autograph, before development with a material that will retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface of the film covered thereby.

5. The method of autographing a photographic film while in a camera consisting in exposing to light that portion thereof known as between exposures, coating the sensitized face of said exposed portion prior to development, in a design corresponding to the au tograph with a material that will retard or preventdevelopment of the sensitized surface of the film covered thereby.

6. The method of autographing a photographic film having a paper back while in a camera, consisting in exposing that portion of the film known as between exposures to the action of li ht, outlining the autograph;

ire

on the paper back, and coating the sensitized face of the exposed portion of the film in the outline ofthe autograph with a material that will retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface covered thereby.

7. The method of autographing a photographic film having a paper back, consisting in exposin that portion of the film known as between exposures to the action of light, outlining the autograph with pressure on the paper back at a point corresponding tothe exposed portion of the film, and coating the sensitized face of the exposed portion of the film by the pressure outl ning the autograph with a material that will retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface covered thereby.

8. The method of autographing a photographic film having a paper back while in a-camera, consisting in exposing that portion of the film known as between exposures to the action of light, outlining the autograph on the paper back by pressure at a point corresponding to the exposed portion of the film, and coating the sensitized face of the exposed portion of the film with a material that will retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface covered thereby by means of the pressure exerted on the paper back in'outlining the autograph aforesaid.

9. The combination with a camera having an opening in the wall thereof, of a table aligned with said opening and spaced from the wall of the camera whereby the film and its back pass between the table and opening, a luminous plate secured to said table, and a control sheet disposed above said luminous plate for transferring material to the film to retard or prevent the development thereof.

10. The combination with a camera having an opening in the wall thereof, of a table within the camera opposed to said opening and spaced from the wall of the camera to permit the film and its back to passbetween the table and said opening, an a time ray emitting plate secured to said table to affect the section of film positioned in alignment with the table and opening and a control sheet disposed above said actinic ray-er i ting plate impregnated with a material to be transferred to the sensitizes surface of the film by pressure exerted through the opening aforesaid upon the back of the film,

aid material retarding or preventing development of those portions of the sensitized film covered thereby.

11. The combination with a camera hav ing an opening in the wall thereof, of a table within the camera opposed to said opening and spaced from the wall of the camera to permit the film and its back to pass between the table and said opening, an actinie rayemitting plate coacting with said table, a control sheet disposed above said plate and impregnated with a material-to be transferred to the sensitized surface of the film by pressure on the back of said film through said opening to prevent or retard the sensitized surface covered thereby, and a frame plate secured to said table for retaining the control sheet and plate in position.

12. The combination with a camera having an opening in the wall thereof, of a table within the camera opposed to said opening and spaced from the wall of the camera to permit the film and its back to pass between the table said opening, an actinic rayemitting plate coacting with said table to affect that i n the film aligned with the opening and table, a control sheet di posed above said plate and impregnated with a material to be transferred to surface of the film by pressure on the back of said film through said opening to prevent or retard the development of the sensitized surface covered thereby, and a frame plate removably secured to said table for retaining the control sheet and plate aforesaid in position thereon.

l3. a camera, the combination with means v iin th camera for light affecting predeteiinined portion of a film, of a source of material to prevent or retard dev-elopm t of the film, and means for transferring said material to p rts of said predetermined portions f the film.

14-. In a camera, the combination with means within the camera for light affecting predetermined portion of a film therein, of a source of material to retard or prevent development of the sensitized surface of the film, and means for transferring said material to part sensitized surface of that portion of the film affected by light by the means aforesaid.

, 15. In a camera, the combination with means within the camera for light affecting predetermined portion of a film therein, of a source ofn'iaterial within the camera for retarding or preventing the development of the sensitized surface of thefilm, and neans for trai sferring said material to portion of the film affected by light by the means aforesaid in a pattern or designati through pressure on the unsensitized side of 1e film.

16. In a camera the combination with means for light fogging portion of sensitized i'ilin therein, of means for placing material on the sensitized surface so fogged to prevent or retard the development of portions thereof.

17 The combination with camera, of an actinic ray emitting panel positioned to light stril-ze a portion of each section of a film located for exposure, means whereby a pressure maybe exerted on said panel in the form of an inscription or design, and means, c0- acting with said panel for transferring a .development retarding medium upon the sen the sensitized sitized surface of the film by the pressure aforesaid.

18. The combination with a camera, of an actinic ray emitting panel positioned to light strike a portion of each section of a film located for exposure, means whereby a pressure may be exerted on said panel in the form of an inscription or design, and means, coacting with said panel, for transferring a development retarding agent to the sensitized surface of the light struck portion of the film by the pressure aforesaid.

19. The combination with a camera, having an autographing opening in one wall thereof through which an autographic pressure may be exerted on the backing of a film within the camera, of an actinic ray emitting panel within the camera facing the sensitized surface of a film within the camera and opposed to said opering, whereby the autographing pressure causes the sensitized surface of hat portion of the film aligned with the opening to be light struck, and means for outlin ng the autograph in a development retarding agent on that portion of the film light struck by the rays emitted by the panel aforesaid.

20. The combination with a camera, having an autographing' opening in one wall thereof through which an autographing pressure may be exerted on the backing of a film within the camera, of an actinic ray emitting panel within the camera facing the sensitized surface of a film within the camera and posed to sai opening, whereby the autographinog pressure causes the sensitized surface of that portion of the film aligned with the opening to be light struck, and a control sheet interposed between the panel and the sensitized surface of the film for transferring a. development retarding agent to the film in tir form of the autograph by the autographing pressure.

21. The combination with a camera, having an autographing opening in one wall thereof through which autographing' pres sure may be exerted on the backing of a film within the camera. of an actinic ray emitting panel within the camera facing the sensi ized surface of a. film within the camera and opposed to said opening, whereby the autographing pressure causes the sensitized surface of that portion of the film aligned with the opening to be light struck, and a translucent control sheet placed over said panel to transfer a development retarding agent to the sensitized surface of the film by the autographing pressure.

JOHN P. SCANNELL. 

